Five 1980s Burlesque Icons

We’re taking a look at the women and performers who inspired 80s burlesque dancers. These pop culture female icons influence fashion, burlesque and much more to this day.

Five 80s Burlesque Icons

By the 1980s burlesque dancing had mostly given way to strip clubs. Yet, dancers of the decade were influenced by the mainstream just as they are today.

Traditionally, burlesque is a form of satire and often takes a leaf out of pop culture’s playbook. Burlesque is also imbued with vintage glamour so these women’s influence on the genre can still be felt today.

From Louise Brooks to Cher and Lady Gaga, strong and successful women continue to have significance in burlesque. Luckily for us, there’s even cross-over from Cyd Charisse to Dita Von Teese. Lets be honest, both influence each other. So, lets take a look at the other side of the coin.

Madonna

You can’t think of 80s female pop stars without thinking of Madonna. The decade saw her fashion statements and brand of assertive female sexuality sweep the world of pop culture.

She was and continues to break down barriers for feminism and queer culture. From ‘Vogue’, to the triumph of her Super Bowl half time show to the Grammys 2014. See why this was such a ground breaking performance:

Jennifer Beals

There may have been a bevvy of tough sci-fi chicks like Linda Hamilton and Sigourney Weaver. Alongside, the lovable brat pack players like Molly Ringwald but there was one lady that had us cutting up our jumpers and sporting leg warmers. It’s Jennifer Beals and Flashdance.

The female welder by day and dancer by night is the closest image we have of 80s burlesque. Not to mention, her lovable Marlene Dietrich inspired tuxedo look. Sooo much to love.

Reminisce with this iconic clip from the Flashdance movie. No not that one, the other one. The reason so many burlesque dancers empty a champagne bottle over themselves:

Alternative Burly Icon: Jo King

British burlesque legend, Jo King, began her career in the 1980s and she’s certainly our inspiration as our guru. Jo King is also the founder of the London Academy of Burlesque.

She now has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Known by the stage name, Goodtime Mama Jojo, she has taught and choreographed over 30 percent of Europe’s professional cabaret and burlesque performers.

As fierce, fantastic and inspirational as ever, Jo King will hopefully be back on our stage in the near future.

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